How often are you stressed at work?

I know what you’re thinking, “I’m stressed all the time at work!” and we all know that the daily grind can be challenging. Stress at work is something that affects us all. Whether it’s meeting tight deadlines, dealing with challenging collegues, or simply feeling overwhelmed with too much to do, work-related stress can take a toll on our mental and physical well-being.

But the good news is that stress is manageable, and there are simple things we can do to reduce its impact on our lives. I’ve pulled together some top tips to help you manage stress at work and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

In my corporate days, I worked with people who say that they thrive on stress to get their job done under pressure, it’s safe to say that I’m not one of those people and I can find things overwhelming and so I try to avoid getting stressed as much as possible. Since I left my corporate HR career, I find that whilst I work harder than I ever have done in my career, at the same time, I focus on having a good work-life balance and take time to incorporate healthy habits into my routines.

The evidence is clear…

A recent survey was conducted by by Click Pharmacy, they surveyed 2,000 adults around the UK, to explore how frequently we experience stress. They also wanted to explore some of the methods used to manage worry and the aspects of life being impacted by stress. The survey found that 17% of those surveyed experience stress more than once a week, with 8% reporting daily stress. 10% of women and 10% of men reported feeling stressed at least twice a week or every day, respectively. The southeast of England had the highest regional percentage of daily stress at 13%. The main stressors were money (38%), lack of sleep (31%), and work (30%), followed by family, physical health, and mental health. The survey also showed that stress affects respondents’ mental health (34%), confidence (33%), and physical health (28%) the most.

So how do we manage stress at work? Here are my top tips for you to think about:

My top tips for managing stress at work

1. Prioritise and organise your workload: By starting the day creating your to-do list, you can prioritise your tasks based on their importance and urgency. It may seem really simple but it can really help you stay focused and avoid feeling overwhelmed. This way, you’ll know exactly what needs to be done and you can tackle each task one by one.
2. Take your breaks: Yeah, yeah Natalie I know I hear you say, and I know we hear this all the time, but it is really important to step away from your work every now and then. Take a quick walk, stretch (here is a link to may favourite stretches’ that you can do at your desk), or have a healthy snack to refresh your mind and reduce stress. Taking breaks may take time away from your work, but they help you to recharge and be more productive when you return to work.
3. Practice mindfulness: Focusing on the present moment and taking deep breaths can help you stay calm and reduce stress in the moment. Mindfulness techniques like meditation can also help you develop a better perspective on stressful situations and manage your stress levels over time. If you’re new to mindfulness, here is a guide on what it is and how it can beneficial.
4. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise can help reduce stress and improve your overall well-being. Whether it’s getting to the gym, going for a run, or simply taking a walk, making time for physical activity in your daily routine can work wonders and combat stress.
5. Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive drinking can also help significantly reduce stress. By taking care of yourself, you’ll have more energy, feel good and be better equipped to tackle the challenges of work.
6. Talk to someone: Whether it’s a colleague, friend, or a professional, talking to someone about what’s bothering you can help relieve stress and alleviate any worries. Venting your frustrations can help you put things in perspective, and come up with solutions to deal with stress.
7. Be realistic: It’s important to have realistic expectations for yourself and to not take on too much at once. Learn to say no when necessary and delegate tasks if possible. By setting realistic goals, you’ll avoid feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
8. Practice stress-management techniques: There are various stress-management techniques like yoga or meditation that can help you relax and manage stress. Don’t follow industry “trends” because it looks good on your Instagram feed! Find something that works best for you and incorporate it into your routine.

Find what works for you

In conclusion, stress at work is a common problem, but it doesn’t have to control our lives. By following these tips and finding what works best for you, you can manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance. Remember, your well-being is worth taking care of, so don’t hesitate to reach out for help when you need it.

How do you manage stress? Please add your suggestions in the comments below!